Repost All Things New: Chapter Sixteen

CHAPTER SIXTEEN: THE KEEPERS WARNING

About a month later, Artham and Arundelle were very well adjusted to their married life. They, of course, had certain quirks to adjust to. For example, Ari had to deal with Artham always falling asleep in the weirdest places. Now, with her, he could fall asleep very easily. So, she always found him in the weirdest places. The kitchen. The library. On the floor, to name a few. Of course, the one that scared her the most was the night he fell asleep in a tree.

Artham had to deal with her weird obsessions. Like with animals. Especially cats. Which Artham had an allergy for. Plus, she liked to collect things. Like blankets, and pillows…and odd trinkets that took space on Artham’s bookshelf. But these were all lovingly tolerated.

Artham now felt like his life was good. He still felt the pain of grief that never truly went away, but now he could contain it better, and sometimes not even feel it.

But then a meeting was called. The Keeper brought some of his clan leaders, and Esben assembled his courts.

Madia was present at this meeting, and so was Arundelle. Artham was seated beside her, and Ari drew confidence from him. She was a bit nervous, and she did feel sick. She had been feeling quite nauseous lately.

Then the Keeper entered, followed by his clan leaders. He smiled widely at Artham and Arundelle.

“Ah! The young Throne Warden, and his Lady. Lovely to see you, Mrs. Wingfeather,” he teased. Ari flushed, and Artham laughed.

“I am happy to see you two brought together, without a hitch,” Horus said.

Artham smiled. “So am I,” he said, kissing Ari’s cheek.

Horus smiled back, but then his face darkened as he looked away.

“Why have you called this meeting, Keeper?” Madia asked.

“Wait till my son arrives. I want him to try to be the next Keeper, so he will need to hear this.”

Horus sat down. All was quiet for a while, and then Rudric entered, with a very grave face.

“Well?” Esben pressed.

“We caught the Wanderer, his name is Ronin.”

“What Wanderer?” Esben asked.

“The one that shot Arundelle.”

Ari paled, and scooted closer to Artham, and Artham’s face turned grave.

“He claims someone offered to give him a clean slate and a new name if he got rid of Arundelle. I am inclined to believe him, since he offered so much information and— “

“That is no excuse,” Artham said, his voice as sharp as steel and cold as ice.

Rudric squirmed, and even Horus looked nervous. Bonifer was quiet, too quiet, and Artham’s eyes went to him.

“Is there something you would like to say, Bonifer?”

He looked up quickly. “Oh no, my lord. I was simply thinking how serious this situation is, and for poor Arundelle.”

“All I can say, Artham,” Horus said, drawing the conversation back on point, “things are not safe for your wife. It is…. a good thing…you married her now. You need to know, both of you,” he said, looking at Esben, “how dangerous this is; those Wanderers were more than likely responsible for your parent’s deaths. Be most cautious. Question everyone. Even the members of your high court.”

Horus looked intensely at Artham. “I do not want anything to happen to any of you. We will watch the Woes like never before, for your safety, your Highnesses.”

Artham nodded, though there was an anger in his eyes. “I appreciate it Horus. What else do you have to report?” Artham coldly asked.

Horus looks shocked at the abrupt change, but then his face softened. He could see, deep in Artham’s eyes, a little bit of fear. And who could blame him?

He’s still so young…….

That afternoon, Artham went for a walk to clear his head before he lashed out at someone he didn’t mean to. He was sitting on the cliffs at the back of the island, letting the wind blow in his hair, wishing all of his cares could blow away. Just when I started to feel peace…

He heard soft footsteps behind him. He turned slightly. “Hello Arundelle.”

“Artham, do you really think someone could do something like that?”

Artham stood and took both her hands. “No. Because I am here.”

She smiled, and the wind started rustling her hair. A beautiful sound suddenly filled the air. Ari turned her head and walked to the edge of the cliffs.

“Oh, Artham,” she gasped. Artham followed her and looked down into the sea. There were two sea dragons!

“Oh my gosh,” Artham breathed.

The dragons swam and danced below him. The giants of the sea, so beautiful, so awe commanding. It reminded Artham of the Maker that made them and how much more so he should demand respect.

Ari clutched his arm tightly. “Oh, Artham, they’re huge!”

Artham laughed. “Yes, they are. I’ve never seen one in person.”

Then Artham heard a voice, like a breeze on the wind. I want to see them…..

Then one dragon came up to the edge of the cliff and looked right at Artham and Arundelle. Ari gasped again, and seized Artham’s arm more tightly, cutting off his circulation.

The dragon was a ruby red, with scars all over, and an untold story. There was a pain in her eyes. She breathed on them, and Ari started to loosen her grip. She slightly reached out her hand, as if to touch the beast. The dragon snorted and then crashed back into the sea.

“Oh, Artham,” Arundelle whispered.

“Yes?”

“I think everything will be okay,” she said, turning towards him. “I will be safe. In a land where there are such marvelous creatures as dragons…such a loving Maker…and a wonderful husband.”

Artham smiled and kissed her. “I know, love. Things will be okay.”

Okay! And I hath reposted it! Tagging @Clark Christian, High King of Books and Sports and Also Baguettes (CR Captain, BLC) so he can see it 😅